Issue 205:
– Notice on 529 Conference 2020
– News & Research
– ABLE Act Column

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: The goal of the 529 Dash is to address the specific needs and concerns of advisers and institutions who sell and service families and employers in the education financial planning process by creating and sharing industry relevant news, product training and best practices, while also building awareness and understanding of the importance of 529s, ABLE accounts and education financial planning.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Director of Savings Research
529 & ABLE Solutions, ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

• It’s difficult to plan for the second half of the year, considering that so much is unknown, but we do know how important it is to gather with and learn from your peers and industry experts. However, we realize you have concerns about travel to, and attendance at, in-person events; we have them too.

Here is what you need to know from stories, research and data released this week:

• AKF Consulting, “College Savings Nation 2020: States Fostering Growth in Challenging Times.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Andrea Feirstein and AKF Consulting for creating and sharing this industry landscape report. Read to learn more about the latest trends in state agencies, product developments, investment line-up enhancements and more.
• 529 Webinar Series, “529 & ABLE Product in Focus.” Editor’s Take: The webinar session will provide attendees with an overview of the unique product structures of 529 plans and ABLE accounts from an investment line-up, platform structure and functionality perspective. Diving deep into these three sections, the session not only will provide an update on conservative investment line-ups, ESG offerings, share class usage and fees, but also share insight into current customer and advisor satisfaction and product developments in demand going forward. Please register today, and thank you for the support.
• 529 Insiders, “1Q 2020 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights.” Editor’s Take: The data update provides market sizing for 529 and ABLE accounts as of 1Q 2020, and click to learn more.
• ISS Market Intelligence, “529 Industry Analysis 2020.” Editor’s Take: ISS Market Intelligence released the 529 Industry Analysis 2020 report on 529 Day 2020 with a new proprietary survey of over 1,000 parents fielded in March to April 2020. Key findings include current and target market demographics, as well as product, marketing, distribution and legislative updates in demand. Last but not least, the report provides a pulse update on industry trends. Click the link to learn more about subscribing to the report, and thank you for the support.

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for certain individuals with disabilities and their families. 
News, Research, Data & Resources:

• Global Banking & Finance Review, “ABLEnow accounts not subject to Virginia Medicaid recovery claims.” Editor’s Take: Effective July 1, 2020, Virginia has removed its Medicaid clawback provision for ABLEnow and ABLEAmerica for Virginia residents. This provision has historically been seen as a hurdle to ABLE account usage by potential users, and therefore the passage and implementation of this legislation will lead to growth of ABLE accounts going forward. Read the article to learn more.
• SavingAdvice.com, “Why ABLE accounts are better than special needs trusts.” Editor’s Take: Educational article on the pros and cons of ABLE accounts in comparison to special needs trusts. Informative with some good insights. Click to learn as well.
• CNN, “Coping with disease and disability in the time of Coronavirus.” Editor’s Take: Thank you ABLEnow for originally posting this article on social media, and I learned about the additional hurdles during these times. Great article, and click to learn more.
• YouTube, “ABLE TN webinar for disability advocates.” Editor’s Take: Thank you LaKesha Page for creating and sharing this 36-minute video, and much appreciated. Watch, learn and enjoy.

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